[TheForge]Tinnitus was Hearing aids

[Kevin Donahoe]

Don,

I've had tinnitus for several years now, have some hearing loss at high
frequencies, but not needing hearing aids as yet.  I have put a pair of
muffs in the trailer I shoe out of, and use ear protection quite a bit in
the shop.

At any rate, I'd heard a radio blurb a few years ago about a study with a
group in the Israli army, given doses of niacin that diminished tinnitus in
the subjects.  I have since then taken a B vitamin supplement, when the
tinnitus seems to be particularly noticeable, for a week or two.  Niacin can
destroy one's liver so it's not something to daly with.  The supplements do
seem to help a bit... placebo effect perhaps, but I'll take it.

But when this came up, I Googled "tinnitus niacin israeli army" and found
some interesting sites.  There seems to be some positive effect from
lecithin supplements as well.  Worth some further reading.

I've taken to using earplugs and muffs when target shooting anything larger
than 22 (just muffs then), as well.

Kevin Donahoe

  >-----Original Message-----
  >From: theforge-bounces at mailman.qth.net
  >[mailto:theforge-bounces at mailman.qth.net]On Behalf Of PlumDon at aol.com
  >Sent: Monday, January 24, 2005 4:39 PM
  >To: theforge at mailman.qth.net
  >Subject: Re: [TheForge] Hearing aids
  >
  >
  >
  >In a message dated 1/24/2005 1:44:45 PM Eastern Standard Time,
  >osan at netlabs.net writes:
  >
  >OK, i'm  sure my question will be stupid, but at least someone asked
  >whether you  are certain that your hearing loss is  permanent.
  >
  >
  >
  >Oh yes. Quite so. permanent nerve damage.
  >
  >Certainly getting some good responses re my hearing problem. I
  >suspect it  is
  >not an unusual occurence in the blacksmithing community. Meeting
  >with an
  >audiologist tomorrow who will mainly market me Oticon (I think)
  >hearing aids.
  >This is all new to me and a bit confusing what with all the
  >choices. Much like
  >everything, anymore. But I am really beginning to miss a lot of
  >what's going
  >on  so guess I will have to do something.
  >
  >I dont use ear protection when just at the anvil...only with the power
  >hammer. Maybe that should change. Do most of youse use them all
  >the time when
  >hammering?
  >
  >Again, thanks for the helpful notes.
  >
  >Don Plummer
  >_______________________________________________
  >Manage membership or unsubscribe at:
  >http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/theforge
  >theforge mail list group photo site is
  >http://www.photoaccess.com
  >Login:  blacksmithblacksmith at hotmail.com
  >password:  anvil
  >___________
  >
  >
  >
  >